Deaf Awareness Group

The group was formed in the Spring of 2017, specifically for members of the U3A who are partially deaf or becoming deaf. We have the following current and possible future objectives: Mutual support, by sharing experiences of the difficulties of deafness and communication; Sharing information, such as the existence and advantages of using the disability card and the disability railcard and experiences of using deaf support equipment; Sharing experience of attending entertainment venues and communicating any problems we have had, both to each other and to the venues themselves; Raising deaf awareness both within the U3A and the wider community; Finding ways in which the deaf can participate with U3A activities; Promotion and awareness of such things as lip reading, sign language and voice recognition systems that help deaf people communicate and function more effectively; Communication with other groups concerned with deafness outside of the U3A; Organisation of outside activities for U3A members, such as attendance at captioned performances of plays and socials such as barbecues and walks; Lobbying on behalf of and assisting other groups of deaf people such as those in sheltered accommodation and nursing homes. We now have a Tour Talk hearing loop.